Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth Horvath
905-688-5550, extension 3412
Mackenzie Chown MC B210
brocku.ca/neuroscience
Neuroscience, the study of behaviour and its underlying neural mechanisms, is included in psychology, biology and other disciplines at many universities, but there is an increased tendency in North America and Europe to offer neuroscience as a specialized major program. Neuroscience combines selected courses from the disciplines of psychology, biology, kinesiology and computational neuroscience that illustrate cellular, physiological, behavioural and computational approaches to examining the nervous system. The program is specifically designed to permit integration of information derived experimentally from many disciplines to gain a better understanding of the relationships between neural function and behaviour. Neuroscience provides information and skills necessary for careers in the health and behavioural sciences. It also provides a firm basis for graduate studies in the neurosciences and depending on choice of courses, prepares the student for entry into medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, chiropractic and physical or occupational therapy.
The BSc Honours program is divided into four streams, allowing students to specialize in either Neurobiological, Neuropsychological, Neuromotor or Neurocomputing fields. Honours students must familiarize themselves with the Neuroscience streams and plan appropriately. The Office of the Registrar must be notified of the stream you wish to pursue at the end of Year 2 with the exception of the Neurocomputing stream students who need to notify in Year 1. Except for the Neuromotor and Neurocomputing streams, the first two years are identical in the program. Honours and Co-op students must apply for entry to Year 4 in order to complete NEUR 4F90, 4F91 or 4F92. Admittance requires a minimum 70 percent average in all major credits and an average of 60 percent in the remaining credits.
The BSc with Major program is designed to allow students to select courses that suit individual interests and may result in a program that is more general. However, it also offers freedom to specialize within sub-disciplines of neuroscience by following courses in any stream of the Honours program.
The Neuroscience Co-op program combines academic and work terms over a five-year period. Students spend two years in an academic setting studying the core concepts of neuroscience prior to taking the first work placement. The Co-op Programs Office will facilitate admission decisions. In addition to the current fees for courses in academic study terms, Neuroscience Co-op students are assessed an annual administrative fee (see the Schedule of Fees).
Eligibility to continue in the Neuroscience Co-op program is based on the student's major and non-major averages. A student with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum 60 percent non-major average may continue. A student with a major average lower than 70 percent will not be permitted to continue in the Neuroscience Co-op program, but may continue in the non-Co-op Neuroscience streams. If a student subsequently raises his/her major average to 70 percent, the student may be readmitted only if approved by the Co-op Admissions Committee. For further information, see the Co-op Programs section of the Calendar, and contact the Centre for Neuroscience.
All students in the Co-operative Education program are required to read, sign and adhere to the terms of the Student Regulations Waiver and Co-op Student Handbook (brocku.ca/co-op/current-students/co-op-student-handbooks) as articulated by the Co-op Programs Office. In addition, eligibility to continue in the co-op option is based on the student's major average and non-major average, and the ability to demonstrate the motivation and potential to pursue a professional career.
Each four-month co-operative education work term must be registered. Once students are registered in a co-op work term, they are expected to fulfill their commitment. If the placement accepted is for more than one four-month work term, students are committed to complete all terms. Students may not withdraw from or terminate a work term without permission from the Director, Co-op Program Office.
The Neuroscience Co-op program designation will be awarded to those students who have honours standing and who have successfully completed a minimum of twelve months of Co-op work experience.

In 20 credit Honours degree programs a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least three credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least three credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

In this 20 credit BSc with Major degree program a maximum of eight credits may be numbered 1(alpha)00 to 1(alpha)99; at least four credits must be numbered 2(alpha)90 or above; at least two credits must be numbered 3(alpha)90 or above; and the remaining credits must be numbered 2(alpha)00 or above.

In some circumstances, in order to meet university degree and program requirements, more than 15 or 20 credits may be taken.

Students must check to ensure that prerequisites are met. Students may be deregistered, at the request of the instructor, from any course for which prerequisites and/or restrictions have not been met.

NEUROSCIENCE COURSES

#NEUR 2P36
Brain and Behaviour I
(also offered as PSYC 2P36)
Introduction to behavioural neuroscience - biological aspects of behaviour. Basics of the structure and function of the nervous system in relation to behaviour. Activities of the brain from the neuron through to interrelationships among neural systems. Topics include neuronal function, drugs and behaviour, brain plasticity and recovery from injury, sensation and perception, and the organization of the brain emphasizing human behaviour.
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, HEAR, PSYC (single or combined), SPLS majors and PSYC minors until date specified in Registration guide.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1F90.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit earned in PSYC 2P35.
#NEUR 2P37
Brain and Behaviour II
(also offered as PSYC 2P37)
The relation between brain physiology and behaviour. Topics relevant to neural mechanisms associated with human actions and cognitions such as motivation (sleep, sexual behaviour, eating), emotions and stress, learning and memory, communication and language, and thought (psychological/psychiatric disorders).
Lectures, 3 hours per week; lab, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, HEAR, PSYC (single or combined), SPLS majors and PSYC minors until date specified in Registration guide.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 2P36 or PSYC 2P35.
#NEUR 3F81
Neuroscience
(also offered as PSYC 3F81)
Integrative approach to neuroscience from basic elements of molecular neuroscience, physiology of excitable cells, neurophysiology of major brain systems to behavioural neuroscience and selected topics in affective and cognitive neuroscience. Emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the subject and the integrative aspects of brain function. General insight into a number of classical disciplines including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, electrophysiology, neurochemistry and neurology.
Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours alternating weeks.
Restriction: open to NEUR, PSYC (single or combined) majors and PSYC minors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits or 3.0 PSYC credits above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 2P36 and 2P37 or permission of the instructor.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in NEUR (PSYC) 3P81 and 3P82.
#NEUR 3P34
Neurobiology
(also offered as BIOL 3P34)
Structure and function of nerve cells: Electrical properties of neurons, synaptic function and transmitters, neural plasticity and cellular basis of behaviour.
Lectures, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, BIOL (single or combined), BIOL (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), BSc Integrated Studies (Honours)/BEd (Junior/Intermediate) majors and BIOL minors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2P02 and 2P03 (2F01).
#NEUR 3P39
Computer Data Analysis
(also offered as PSYC 3P39)
Applications of computers to management and analysis of data, including data entry, statistical procedures and interpretation of output, using SPSS.
Lectures/lab, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR and PSYC (single or combined) majors with a minimum 77 percent major average, a minimum of 8.0 overall credits and 3.0 PSYC credits above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1F90 and 2F23.
Note: Neuroscience majors with a minimum 70 percent major average and a minimum of 8.0 overall credits may register. Contact the Department of Psychology.
#NEUR 3P59
Introduction to Human Neuropsychology
(also offered as PSYC 3P59)
Relation between brain function and behaviour examined through clinical syndromes. Topics include neural basis of perception, memory, language, emotion, and executive functions.
Lectures, seminar, 4 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, PSYC (single or combined), SPLS majors and PSYC minors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits and 1.0 PSYC credit above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 2P36 or PSYC 2P35; PSYC 1F90 or permission of the instructor.
*NEUR 3P67
Bases of Neuropsychopharmacology
(also offered as PSYC 3P67)
Mechanisms of drug action and classification of psychoactive agents. Elements of pharmacokinetics (drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination) and a review of the major groups of psychoactive agents including hypnotics, analgesics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, psychostimulants and neuroleptics, emphasizing mechanisms and consequences of drug action on selected neurotransmitter systems (dopaminergic, noradrenergic,cholinergic, serotonergic).
Lectures, seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, PSYC (single or combined) majors and PSYC minors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits or 3.0 PSYC credits above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 2P36 or PSYC 2P35; PSYC 1F90.
#NEUR 3P81
Neuroscience I
(also offered as PSYC 3P81)
Integrative approach to basic neuroscience including molecular neuroscience, physiology of excitable cells, neuroembryology, neurocytology, neurohistology, neuroanatomy and cellular electrophysiology. Emphasis on the interdisciplinary nature of the subject including elements of molecular medicine, biology, biophysics and biochemistry.
Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours alternating weeks.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op and PSYC Co-op students with a minimum of 8.0 overall credits or 3.0 PSYC credits above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 2P36 and 2P37 or permission of the instructor.
Note: students must contact the instructor to register for a lab.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in NEUR (PSYC) 3F81.
#NEUR 3P82
Neuroscience II
(also offered as PSYC 3P82)
Integrative approach to neurophysiology of major brain systems of the spinal cord, medulla, brain stem and mesencephalon, hypothalamus, limbic system and basal ganglia. Introduction to behavioural neuroscience, affective neuroscience and cognitive neuroscience. Consideration of a number of classic biomedical disciplines including neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, electrophysiology, neurochemistry, neuropsychiatry, neurology and neuropathology.
Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours alternating weeks.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op and PSYC Co-op students with a minimum of 8.0 overall credits or 3.0 PSYC credits above PSYC 1F90.
Prerequisite(s): NEUR 3P81.
Note: students must contact the instructor to register for a lab.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in NEUR (PSYC) 3F81.
#NEUR 3P90
Investigative Neurobiology
(also offered as BIOL 3P90)
Methods used in neurobiology and neurophysiology. Electro-physiological techniques, including intracellular and extracellular recording from nerve cells and muscle, and on theory and techniques for electrophysiological data acquisition. Other topics include intracellular staining, immunocyto chemistry and assay procedures.
Lectures, 2 hours per week; lab, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR, BIOL (single or combined), BIOL (Honours)/BEd (Intermediate/Senior), BCHM, BMED, BSc Integrated Studies (Honours)/BEd (Junior/Intermediate), BTEC and OEVI majors and BIOL minors until date specified in Registration guide. Students must have a minimum of 8.0 overall credits.
Prerequisite(s): BIOL 2P02 and 2P03 (2F01),or PSYC 2P36 and 2P37.
Note: BIOL 3P34 is strongly recommended for students who have not taken PSYC 2P36 and 2P37. Materials fee required.
Completion of this course will replace previous assigned grade and credit obtained in NEUR (BIOL) 3P84.
NEUR 4F90
Honours Thesis
Each student will undertake a limited research project under faculty supervision.
Restriction: open to NEUR majors with approval to year 4 (honours).
Note: to be taken in conjunction with NEUR 4F91. Submission and oral defence of thesis is required.
NEUR 4F91
Literature Research and Seminar
Each student will undertake a detailed study of the scientific literature relevant to the topic of the honours thesis.
Restriction: open to NEUR majors with approval to year 4 (honours).
Note: to be taken in conjunction with NEUR 4F90. The review will be included in the thesis and will be presented as a seminar.
NEUR 4F92
Library Research Essays
Each student will be required to carry out two detailed studies of the scientific literature under faculty supervision.
Restriction: open to NEUR majors with approval to year 4 (honours).
Note: for students not registered for NEUR 4F90 and 4F91. The results of the studies will be presented in major essays and presented as formal seminars. One research topic is to be completed each term.
NEUR 4V85-4V89
Special Topics in Neuroscience
Structure and content of course varies.
Lectures/seminar, 3 hours per week.
Restriction: open to NEUR majors with a minimum of 13.5 overall credit until date specified in Registration guide.

CO-OP COURSES

NEUR 0N01
Work Placement I
First Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
NEUR 0N02
Work Placement II
Second Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
NEUR 0N03
Work Placement III
Third Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
NEUR 0N04
Work Placement IV
Optional Co-op work placement (4 months) with an approved employer.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
NEUR 0N05
Work Placement V
Optional Co-op placement (4 months) with an approved employer.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
NEUR 2C01
Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration I
Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90.
Corequisite(s): NEUR 0N01.
Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation.
NEUR 2C02
Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration II
Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90.
Corequisite(s): NEUR 0N02.
Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation.
NEUR 2C03
Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration III
Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90.
Corequisite(s): NEUR 0N03.
Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation.
NEUR 2C04
Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration IV
Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90.
Corequisite(s): NEUR 0N04.
Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation.
NEUR 2C05
Co-op Reflective Learning and Integration V
Provide student with the opportunity to apply what they've learned in their academic studies through career-oriented work experiences at employer sites.
Restriction: open to NEUR Co-op students.
Prerequisite(s): SCIE 0N90.
Corequisite(s): NEUR 0N05.
Note: students will be required to prepare learning objectives, participate in a site visit, write a work term report and receive a successful work term performance evaluation.